Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola revealed that striker Erling Haaland was substituted as a precaution during the 3-0 victory over Fulham at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
Haaland, who scored the third goal for City, reported a slight discomfort after netting his milestone goal, bringing him level with club legend Colin Bell in Manchester City’s all-time scoring charts.
The victory was secured with goals from Antoine Semenyo and Nico O’Reilly, in addition to Haaland’s strike, as City dominated from the start. Despite establishing a 3-0 lead, Guardiola decided to replace Haaland with Omar Marmoush at halftime. The Citizens maintained control throughout the second half, closing the game comfortably and reducing the gap to just three points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Haaland’s Precautionary Substitution
When asked about Haaland’s substitution, Guardiola kept his explanation brief but reassuring.
“There’s a small issue. He felt uncomfortable. The score was already 3-0, of course. The reason? We have many matches ahead,” Guardiola said.
The Spanish coach admitted that he had yet to speak in detail with the medical staff. “I haven’t talked to the doctor yet, so I don’t know exactly what he experienced. It could be just fatigue or something minor,” he added.
Despite Haaland’s precautionary exit, the match was otherwise smooth for Manchester City. Fulham struggled throughout the encounter, marking their fourth loss in five matches and leaving them further behind in the race for European qualification.
Semenyo Shines Again
Antoine Semenyo continued his impressive form, scoring his fifth goal in the last eight games for City before assisting Nico O’Reilly for the second goal. Guardiola praised the Ghanaian winger for his creativity and work ethic.
“He has incredible ability, very open-minded and generous in his effort. He has a great goal instinct, especially in chaotic situations for the second goal. Very good,” Guardiola said.
Semenyo also claimed he was denied a penalty when he alleged that his hair was pulled during a corner kick leading up to Haaland’s strike.
“I tried to attack the ball from the corner and felt someone pull my hair. I immediately informed the referee. They checked it and said there was not enough evidence. So that’s it,” Semenyo explained.
O’Reilly’s Impact
January signing Nico O’Reilly continued to impress, showcasing his adaptability and vision in midfield. Guardiola highlighted his young recruit’s potential in contributing to the team’s offensive play.
“He is very capable, intelligent, and works hard. He understands the game, finds spaces, and creates opportunities. His assist for the second goal shows his quality,” Guardiola added.
City’s Pursuit of Arsenal
Manchester City’s win keeps them within touching distance of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League. Arsenal, however, have the opportunity to respond with a match against Brentford later this week. Guardiola chose to focus on performance rather than the standings.
“We weren’t nine points behind before the Anfield game, and we weren’t three points ahead before Brentford versus Arsenal,” Guardiola stated.
“After that, we will see. I always say our focus is on developing, improving, and continuously progressing,” he emphasized.
The Milestone Goal
Haaland’s 153rd goal is another significant landmark in his Manchester City career. Achieving this tally in a relatively short period reflects his consistent scoring ability and lethal finishing. Guardiola noted that the Norwegian striker’s contributions extend beyond scoring, emphasizing his influence in build-up play and pressing.
“Erling is exceptional. His goals are only part of his game. He helps us defensively, positions himself intelligently, and makes space for others,” Guardiola said.
Looking Forward
City now turn their attention to upcoming fixtures, needing to maintain intensity and protect key players like Haaland. The management of his fitness will be crucial as the team pursues the Premier League title while competing in multiple competitions.
Guardiola’s comments underline a careful approach to player health and squad rotation, balancing the demands of a congested fixture schedule with the ambition of challenging for silverware. Haaland’s minor discomfort serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive injury management in top-flight football.
Manchester City’s squad depth, including players like Semenyo and O’Reilly, allows Guardiola flexibility to manage star players effectively without compromising performance. This strategic planning could prove decisive in maintaining their title challenge and keeping pace with Arsenal at the summit of the Premier League.
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